Saint Martin’s Day Culinary Celebrations in Budapest: Where to Feast

As November rolls around, Budapest’s restaurants prepare to celebrate Saint Martin’s Day with special menus featuring traditional goose dishes and new wines. Here’s your guide to the best spots for celebrating this beloved Hungarian tradition in 2024.

SIMALIBA Belvárosi Csárda (November 8-17)

Located in the heart of Budapest’s downtown, SIMALIBA is going all out with a week-long celebration. This cozy restaurant offers a perfect blend of traditional Hungarian flavors with a festive twist. Their special menu includes tarragon goose gizzard soup, pink goose breast with parsnip cream and rosehip, and the unmissable crispy goose leg served with red cabbage and roasted potatoes. Don’t miss their heavenly “lúdláb” (goose foot) torte for dessert. The experience is enhanced by a carefully curated selection of Hungarian wines and pálinkas.

Ida Bistro (November 7-17)

Situated in the picturesque Ybl Miklós Square, Ida Bistro is known for its Austro-Hungarian cuisine. Their Saint Martin’s Day menu features sophisticated dishes like goose breast served with lentils and Jerusalem artichoke, tarragon goose ragout soup, and roasted goose liver accompanied by potato purée and caramelized apples. The restaurant’s peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for both casual dining and special occasions.

Náncsi Néni’s Restaurant

This beloved Buda establishment offers traditional Hungarian cuisine with a homey feel. Starting from November 1st, they’re serving seasonal goose specialties including fresh goose cracklings, goose soup with matzo balls, and their famous “goose wedding” dish. For a truly nostalgic experience, try their duck liver pieces served in a small pot with fresh bread and pickled red onion salad.

Gléda Restaurant

Located in Óbuda, Gléda Restaurant is known for presenting classic flavors with a modern twist. Their November menu features special goose dishes that maintain their reputation for excellence. The restaurant’s elegant yet comfortable atmosphere makes it a perfect choice for family celebrations or romantic dinners.

BOHO (November 8-12)

Usually known for Mediterranean cuisine, BOHO transforms its menu for Saint Martin’s Day celebrations. During these special days, they offer innovative goose dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, complemented by new wines. Live music adds to the festive atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more dynamic dining experience.

VakVarjú Restaurants (November 6-15)

VakVarjú, one of Budapest’s beloved restaurant chains, embraces the traditional Saint Martin’s Day celebrations with a specially curated menu featuring the finest goose dishes. Guests can start with the delicate smoked goose breast tartare, accompanied by capers, cornichons, and pickled pearl onions. The homestyle goose soup, enriched with tender goose meat and crispy goose sausage crumbs, offers a warming embrace on cool autumn days.

For main courses, the selection is equally impressive. The red wine-braised goose gizzard stew served with sheep’s cheese dumplings is a perfect example of how VakVarjú combines traditional flavors with modern presentation. The crown jewel of the menu is perhaps the roasted goose leg with rosemary, served alongside plum sauce and a creative “mille-feuille” style potato dish.

Special Events

Szentendre Skanzen New Wine Festival and Goose Feast (November 9-10)

For those willing to venture just outside Budapest, the Szentendre Open Air Museum offers a unique celebration combining traditional goose dishes, craft wines, stories, concerts, and workshops. The festival features folk dance performances, parades, and special gastro-walks through the museum’s grounds.

The Tradition

According to Hungarian folklore, those who don’t eat goose on Saint Martin’s Day will go hungry for the next year. This celebration marks the last feast day before the 40-day Christmas fast, making it an important date in Hungarian culinary culture.

Remember to make reservations in advance, as these special menus are quite popular among both locals and tourists. Most venues also offer carefully selected wine pairings to complement their goose dishes, making the experience even more authentic and enjoyable.

Image source: VakVarjú Restaurant